In the Bible, things that are lower down, or under, physically, generally represent things that are lower or more external spiritually. In some cases, the lower things have been separated and put away to protect the good, but in others, it can mean that a less exalted idea or good desire is supporting a more exalted one.

(References: Arcana Coelestia 4564 [1-2], 8610, 9656)

5667. 'And the man brought the men to Joseph's house' means an introductory stage to the joining to the internal. This is clear from the meaning of 'bringing the men to Joseph's house' as the linking of the truths belonging to the natural to the internal, dealt with above in 5648. It is quite clear from the details that follow that an introductory stage to that joining together is meant - from their eating there, and from Joseph's not revealing to them who he really was, which details mean the general influx which is dealt with in what now follows and which is the introductory stage.